TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

John 12:12–13

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

Many people chase after temporary pleasures, material possessions, and external validation in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. However, they often find themselves feeling empty and disillusioned, longing for something more meaningful.

In our passage today, we witness the crowds celebrating Jesus as an earthly king during His entry into Jerusalem. They spread palm branches before Him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:26), fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah.

The people’s jubilant reception reflects their expectation of Jesus as a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom. Even the disciples shared this misunderstanding, as seen when the mother of James and John sought positions of honor for her sons in Jesus’ kingdom.

However, Jesus’ mission was far greater than mere earthly kingship. He came not to establish an earthly empire but to inaugurate the kingdom of God—a spiritual reign of righteousness, salvation, and eternal life. Despite the crowd’s fervor and the disciples’ misunderstanding, Jesus remained focused on His divine mission.

As we reflect on this passage, let us consider our own expectations of Jesus. Do we seek Him primarily for temporal blessings or earthly power, as the crowds and disciples did? Or do we recognize Him as the King of kings, whose kingdom transcends earthly boundaries and endures for eternity?

 

PRAYER